Public Wi-Fi

Nations around the world already provide public Wi-Fi as a service to the general population. As the economies of U.S. cities like Amherst, MA, and Kansas City, MO, continue to boom thanks to free, outdoor Wi-Fi networks, more cities will begin to follow suit.

In the meantime, you and your family should be able to find internet connections without having an internet provider by using free, public Wi-Fi hotspots at nearby coffee shops, public libraries, universities, restaurants, bookstores, gas stations, hotels and more.

Turn your smartphone into a wireless modem

If you don’t get enough use out of a personal hotspot or USB modem, then the likelihood of you purchasing one is slim. The good news is that there’s another way to make Wi-Fi happen with a device that’s likely already in your pocket – your smartphone.

“Tethering” lets you turn your 3G or 4G cell phone signal into an internet connection. Certain apps for both Apple and Android operating systems can transform your smartphone into a portable modem, giving your laptop free Wi-Fi to use without ever needing an internet provider.

This method works really well if you want to turn your cell phone into a Wi-Fi generating machine for your laptop, or if you want to give new life to that old cell phone you still have lying around the house.

Wi-Fi alternatives to cable internet

When you want Wi-Fi but not cable, you don’t have to worry — you still have choices. Check out home Wi-Fi options that get you high-speed internet without cable service. Satellite, fixed wireless and fiber-optic internet all offer Wi-Fi without needing a phone line!

Naked DSL

Using modern technology, providers can deliver high-speed internet and phone connections at different frequencies. As a result, many internet providers now offer their customers “naked” DSL service (also known as “standalone” DSL or “freestanding” DSL).

Naked DSL service is DSL internet all by itself without phone service, which many DSL providers previously required. If you already have phone service and DSL internet with a provider, then there’s a good chance that naked DSL is available in your area. This option is especially cost-effective if your household is relatively small and each family member has his or her own mobile device.

Satellite internet

In more remote areas of the country where other types of connections (like cable or phone lines) aren’t readily available, satellite internet is a phenomenal, and increasingly popular, solution for getting internet. That’s because satellite internet service providers beam their data signals into your home from satellites hovering above the earth out in space, so they don’t need to run any hard wires to bring you the web.

It’s important to keep in mind that things such as interference from bad weather, for example, can affect satellite internet download and upload speeds. However, a variety of companies have already begun designing satellites that operate in lower orbits and could be used to deliver stronger, more reliable satellite internet signals. So, don’t be surprised if this cost-effective type of internet service earns more business once the next generation of satellites are in orbit.

Fixed wireless internet

Certain internet providers such as AT&T offer fixed wireless home internet that you can get without a phone, cable or a fiber line. Fixed wireless internet is particularly helpful if it’s available in a rural area where you don’t want to buy satellite service. Similar to satellite internet, customers use internet equipment on their homes (antennas) to pick up internet signals. Instead of communicating with satellites in space, though, you’ll get the internet via radio signals from cell towers in the area.

Antennas picking up radio signals from local cell towers experience less weather interference than satellite signals, so fixed wireless internet can be more reliable. The future of fixed wireless internet is exciting as companies such as Verizon embrace 5G wireless internet networks. Fixed wireless internet will keep growing and connect entire cities to the internet, enabling amazing Wi-Fi connections without needing cable, fiber or DSL lines.

Fiber-optic internet

If you’re looking for the fastest, most secure connection around, then there’s a good chance your next internet connection will be fiber. Fiber-optic, or fios, technology is capable of achieving incredible speeds far faster than DSL or satellite by transporting data in the form of light signals through a new kind of wire. Fiber internet wires are made of tiny, transparent glass fibers that are about the diameter of a human hair. While fiber speeds are so good that you can rapidly download music and movies, the downside is that it’s not yet widely accessible.

Your best option for internet without cable or a phone line will depend upon the cell phone service you have, the devices you own, the internet speeds you’ll need, your budget and where you live or travel. At Allconnect, we’re happy to help you find high-speed internet service at no cost to you. Ready to ditch your home phone or cable service? Just give us a quick call and we’ll get you started with the connection type and provider of your choice today.